Trajectory of family caregiving to dependent elderly people

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the effect of time on caregiving, specifically on the variables of the user system made up of a family caregiver and a dependent elderly person.

Methods

Longitudinal observational study based on the Neuman systems model. The sample was 30 caregiver–patient pairs who were evaluated at three different times over a period of eight months at the houses of the dependent elderly people in a community in Lisbon, Portugal. The assessment instruments were a sociodemographic instrument for characterization of the user system and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.

Results

Over time, the caregivers showed results compatible with worsening in the core variables and those in the concentric circles, with statistically significant differences (p<0.1) in received social support (p=0.093), caregiving activities for which help is received (p=0.061), somatic and retarded activity of the depressive symptomatology (p=0.052), financial limitations (p=0.069), and temporary hospitalization of the elderly person (p=0.037).

Conclusion

Long-term caregiving made the caregivers’ lives difficult regarding the evaluated variables, which led to instability in the user system. Given the severity of the problem, the need for macro-level interventions to minimize the consequences of providing care was discussed.

Family; Caregivers; Health; Frail elderly